◢ The big federal programs
Every program,
one source.
The 8 largest federal assistance programs in the United States, eligibility, benefits, and how to apply, written in plain English. Every claim sourced from the agency that runs it.
01 · Housing
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Federal rental subsidy that pays your landlord directly, covers the gap between 30% of your household income and fair market rent.
Subsidy size
Varies
Section 8
02 · Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Monthly food benefits delivered on an EBT card, the largest US anti-hunger program, formerly known as food stamps.
Maximum monthly benefit
$298/mo
SNAP
03 · Education
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based federal grant for undergraduate college, up to $7,395 per year that you do not have to pay back.
Maximum award (2026-27 award year)
$7,395/yr
Pell Grant
04 · Utilities
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Federal help paying your home heating, cooling, and energy-crisis bills, apply through your state, tribe, or territory's LIHEAP office.
Benefit size
Varies
LIHEAP
05 · Family
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Free monthly food package, formula, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
Monthly food package + Cash Value Benefit
Varies
WIC
06 · Business
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The Small Business Administration's flagship loan program, government-guaranteed financing up to $5 million for working capital, equipment, real estate, business acquisition, and debt refinancing.
Maximum amount
$5M
SBA 7(a)
07 · Healthcare
Medicaid
Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income Americans, funded jointly by federal government and states.
Coverage type
Free or low-cost
Medicaid
08 · Healthcare
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly federal cash payments for disabled, blind, or 65+ Americans with very limited income and resources, funded by general Treasury (not Social Security payroll taxes).
Max monthly payment (2026)
$994 individual / $1,491 couple
SSI
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We are not a government agency and we do not administer any of these programs. Every program is run by a federal, state, or tribal agency, links to the official application portals are inside each profile.